Social Security Cards

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique identification number that allows the United States government to monitor your taxable wages earned as an employee in the U.S. As an international student or scholar, you only qualify for a Social Security Card if you have authorization to work in the U.S.

The SSN does not give you U.S. employment authorization. It simply provides an identifying number for you to be paid for a U.S. job and for your employer to deduct the appropriate taxes on behalf of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

A Social Security Number, which appears on the Social Security Card, is not required for you to open a U.S. bank account, buy a cell phone, or rent an apartment. The SSN is requested for these and many other financial transactions because it is commonly used to check U.S. financial credit history, but you will only be eligible for a SSN if you have authorization to work in the U.S.

Eligibility

In order to qualify for a SSN, you must be physically present in the U.S. in an immigration classification that permits employment.

Common immigration categories held by Boston University students and scholars include:

F-1 Students

You are eligible to apply for a SSN if you have any of the following types of U.S. work authorizations:

You are eligible for U.S. employment as reflected on your DS-2019 and can apply for a SSN at any time up to 15 days prior to the end of your Form DS-2019.

J-1 Students or Scholars Sponsored by an Outside Agency

Consult with your J-1 Exchange Program Sponsor to ask about whether you are eligible for U.S. work and about the documentation you will need to apply.

H-1 or O-1 Employees

You should apply for your SSN as soon as possible after the beginning of your I-797 Approval Notice, but no later than 15 days prior to the end of the approved period of employment.

TN Employees

You should apply for your SSN as soon as possible after entering the U.S. to begin your TN activities but no later than 15 days prior to the end of the approved period of employment.

Students and Scholars with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

You are eligible to apply for your SSN after the validly period of the EAD has begun, and no later than 15 days prior to the expiration of the EAD. (Students in F-1 status, see above.)

Applying for a Social Security Card

When possible, you should obtain your Social Security Card before you begin any work in the U.S. If you begin employment without a Social Security Number, you must then inform your employer as soon as you receive your Social Security Number so that they can modify your withholdings for payroll purposes.

Original Form I-94 Departure card, if applicable, or printout of I-94 entry information

Additional documents depending on your immigration status to show U.S. employment authorization. These can be determined by downloading a full set of instructions which includes a chart of the necessary additional documents.

Where to Apply

You may submit an application for a Social Security Card to the Social Security Administration in person on any business day (except holidays) between the hours of Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Boston office is generally the most convenient location for BU students and scholars:

By MBTA: North Station “T” stop on the Green or Orange Line; the building is next to the TD Garden. For a map to the office or to locate an office anywhere in the U.S., see Find a Social Security Office.

Alternately, if your intended employment in the U.S. requires the filing a Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (F-1 OPT, J-2, etc.), you have the option to concurrently file your Social Security Application with your employment authorization request.

Receiving Your Social Security Card and Number

The Social Security Administration may need some time to verify your current immigration status before they can issue a Social Security Card. In most cases, a Social Security Card should be mailed to the address you listed on your application form within 14 business days. If you do not receive a Social Security Card within 30–60 days, you should contact the Social Security Administration via telephone at 800-772-1213 or visit the Social Security Administration website to ask about the status of your pending application.

The notation on the Social Security Card should read “Valid for Employment Only with DHS Authorization”. This clarifies to your employer that the Social Security Card itself does not give you work permission in the U.S. and that you will need to obtain separate work permission in order to start working. To find out more about employment authorization, please contact a staff member at the ISSO or visit the Employment and Internships page on our website.

It’s important that you contact the Student Employment office Link, if:

you are employed on campus as a student (or the Payroll office Link)

you are employed at BU as a scholar to notify them of your new Social Security Number as soon as you receive your Social Security Card, so you can take advantage of tax exemptions and possible tax treaties

Foreign Language Assistance

To find out more about the Social Security Administration in your native language, visit the Social Security Multilanguage Gateway. For Free Language Interpreter Services, call 800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Additional Information

If you will be employed at Boston University in any capacity, keep in mind that you must report to the ISSO no later than your third day of employment to complete a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification for payroll purposes.

For more information about Social Security Numbers, visit one of these pages of the Social Security Administration website:

Helpful Links

Welcome, New Students!

Riho Imada (from left) and Akari Noguchi, both students at the Center for English Language and Orientation Programs, and Andrew Burwash (CAS'18) at the International Student Reception, held September 4 at the Trustee Ballroom. Photo by Jackie Riccardi